Carbon Reporting in the QLD Public Sector Survey

The reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) is an important strategy in encouraging organisations to reduce their emissions and to publicly demonstrate to stakeholders their progress in reducing them.

This survey report identifies the current state of reporting on GHG emissions (or carbon footprints, measured in terms of carbon dioxide equivalents or CO²e) across the Queensland public sector, including by departments, government owned corporations (GOCs), local governments and statutory bodies.

Overall, the survey found that:

• in this first year of reporting within the budget sector, all departments have started reporting on their emissions, although significant gaps in scope and data limitations are evident;
• a number of port and electricity GOCs are the most advanced in reporting their GHG emissions, albeit with further improvements being implemented to meet mandatory reporting standards;
• a small number of local governments have started reporting emissions;
• few statutory bodies are yet in a position to report their emissions; and
• none of the disclosures have been audited, although one GOC has provided an ‘independent limited assurance report’.

The review also suggests that requirements for the mandatory reporting of emissions and their independent verification of emissions are likely to increase, particularly in the public sector where governments are seen as having a leadership role in setting an example for business and households.

Click here to download a copy of the survey of Carbon Reporting in the Queensland Public Sector.

Survey Contributors

Bob Shead
Lead Partner, Public Sector, BDO
BDO has an extensive team of advisory, consulting and audit services to assist organisations on their journey to sustainability. In conjunction with our network of strategic alliance partners, we are able to assist clients with:

• assessment of environmental sustainability risks and opportunities;
• measuring and reporting on emissions;
• independently verifying emissions; and
• preparing for the proposed Emissions Trading Scheme.

Prof. Peter Best
Head – School of Accounting, Economics & Finance University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
The School of Accounting, Economics & Finance (AEF) USQ offers accounting, finance, sustainable economics & policy, and sustainable business majors within the Bachelor of Commerce degree, and a range of double degrees including the new Bachelor of Accounting & Sustainable Business, which commenced in 2009. This four-year program is accredited by the Australian professional accounting bodies, includes a full major on sustainable business, and provides eligibility for the award of a second degree (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, from the City University of Seattle).

Simon McCabe
State Manager, Audit & Advisory Services, Carbon Planet
Carbon Planet offers organisations the opportunity to reduce their impact on climate change through comprehensive carbon emissions assessments and targeted energy and emissions-reduction strategies. Carbon Planet is working with government institutions to prepare them for compliance and has also partnered with leading companies in the private sector ranging from mining and automotive, to financial services and pharmaceutical.

Carbon Planet’s operations and services have been certified Greenhouse FriendlyTM by the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change - the first carbon management company to receive such certification.